How to Wear Shimmery Makeup

Brown, CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, is a makeup artist in New York City who works with Sienna Miller, Rosario Dawson, and Nelly Furtado.

When applied properly, shimmer can give your skin a subtle glow. But there is a fine line between highlighting your features and looking like a Disney princess, so keep a few rules in mind.

• __ Shimmer, not frost.__ Shimmer is sheer and lightweight, whereas frost tends to be opaque and heavy. Frost goes on thickly and looks dated, so make sure to choose your formula carefully.

• __ Brush up.__ Shimmer looks best when blended well, so use a brush to apply it. And keep that brush for shimmer alone; the last thing you want is your matte face powder tainted with bits of glitter. If you're not completely comfortable with the idea of shimmer, test drive it on your cheeks. Using a big, fluffy brush, lightly dust reflective powder on the highest point of your cheekbones. Remember to apply it after blush, so your cheeks aren't lighter than the rest of your face.

• __ Be a minimalist.__ I don't love the way shimmer looks when it's worn on the cheeks, eyes, and nails all at once. A bit on the cheeks and a dab on the eyes is all you need to open up and brighten your entire face. And while shimmer looks beautiful in evening light or candlelight, I wouldn't wear it with a glittery dress. It's far more effective when paired with something simple.

• __ Enhance your eyes.__ Depending on where you apply it, shimmer can either open your eyes or overwhelm them. To avoid the latter, use a thin brush to dab a light, cream-to-powder eye shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Then, keeping the brush as close to the lower lash line as possible, drag it outward to create a very thin line.

• __ Consider your age.__ Shimmer is not just for teenagers. Women of any age can wear it sparingly. If you have fine lines, use it anywhere with few wrinkles, like the apples of the cheeks and the lower lids. Otherwise, it will settle into the creases and draw attention to them.